Automatic torque release wrench of the preset type

ABSTRACT

The structure embodies an elongated tubular handle member with a work engaging member projecting therefrom at one end thereof to provide a transverse shank to which detachable sockets of various standard sizes are applied to turn fasteners to a predetermined torque load. Confronting primary and secondary flex beams are disposed in the tubular handle member for engagement with each other and the work engaging member. A spring urged trigger release is movably mounted on one flex beam to cooperate with the other flex beam in the region of its maximum flex responsive to resisting the torque load, and this trigger release is in the path of the other flex beam end to normally engage therewith until the trigger moves with the flex of both beams to engage the internal wall of the tubular handle member, thereby mechanically releasing its connection therewith so that the load in the primary beam momentarily equals the combined bending load originally sustained by both primary and secondary beams. A calibrated multiple scale slide fitted with a pivotal ramp cooperates with the spring urged primary beam end to preset the release of the secondary beam relative to the trigger latch connection therebetween at any applied turning load within the capacity range of the torque wrench as preset on any scale of the calibrated slide which is viewed through openings on both sides of the tubular handle member serving also as a housing for the instrumentalities. When the applied load equals the preset value on the calibrated scale, the trigger latch engages the inside wall of the housing, thereby releasing the secondary beam which causes an audible signal and also a sudden relaxation of part of the applied force or torque to create a momentary interruption which effects a mild vaibratory shock and an audible click due to the trigger latch disconnect between the beams to notify the user that the preset load has been reached. The user then stops applying any further turning load, and this momentary release will permit the spring urged trigger latch and the primary beam to re-connect the parts for further application of the wrench to another fastener.

United States Patent [19 Green [.45] Get. 9, 1973 AUTOMATIC TORQUERELEASE WRENCH OF THE PRESET TYPE [75] Inventor: Talmage 0. Green,Schaumberg, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Snap-On Tools Corporation,

Kenosha, Wis. [22] Filed: July 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 166,003

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.826,578, May 21,

Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr. Attorney-Harry C. Alberts 5 7ABSTRACT The structure embodies an elongated tubular handle member witha work engaging member projecting therefrom at one end thereof toprovide a transverse shank to which detachable sockets of variousstandard sizes are applied to turn fasteners to a predetermined torqueload. Confronting primary and secondary flex beams are disposed in thetubular handle member for engagement with each other and the workengaging member. A spring urged trigger release is movably mounted onone flex beam to cooperate with the other flex beam in the region of itsmaximum flex responsive to resisting the torque load, and this triggerrelease is in the path of the other flex beam end to normally engagetherewith until the trigger moves with the flex of both beams to engagethe internal wall of the tubular handle member, thereby mechanicallyreleasing its connection therewith so that the load in the primary beammomentarily equals the combined bending load originally sustained byboth primary and secondary beams. A calibrated multiple scale slidefitted with a pivotal ramp cooperates with the spring urged primary beamend to preset the release of the secondary beam relative to the triggerlatch connection therebetween at any applied turning load within thecapacity range of the torque wrench as preset on any scale of thecalibrated slide which is viewed through openings on both sides of thetubular handle member serving also as a housing for theinstrumentalities. When the applied load equals the preset value on thecalibrated scale, the trigger latch engages the inside wall of thehousing, thereby releasing the secondary beam which causes an audiblesignal and also a sudden relaxation of part of the applied force ortorque to create a momentary interruption which effects a mildvaibratory shock and an audible click due to the trigger latchdisconnect between the beams to notify the user that the preset load hasbeen reached. The user then stops applying any further turning load, andthis momentary release will permit the spring urged trigger latch andthe primary beam to re-connect the parts for further application of thewrench to another fastener.

PATENTED OCT 9 I973 INVENTOR ATTORNEY AUTOMATIC TORQUE RELEASE WRENCH OFTHE PRESET TYPE This application is a continuation-in-part of my U.S.Pat. application Ser. No. 826,578 filed May 21, 1969.

This invention relates to turning devices and more particularly topreset torque measuring wrenches of the type illustrated and describedin U.S. Letters No. 2,682,796 issued July 6, 1954, although certainfeatures thereof may be employed with equal advantage for otherpurposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of a simple, dependable,accurate and compact torque meansuring wrench that accurately designatesand signals the preset force to be applied and upon reaching this torqueload will release and momentarily interrupt any further nut turning andsimilar turning movements.

Most torque wrenches measure the flex in a beam or the torsional twistin a shank which resists the turning force of a wrench in order todetermine the amount of torque or force applied in nut turning andsimilar operations. Both types of torque wrenches have been adapted tocommercial wrench structures of the conventional handle or lever armtype as evidenced by letters patents Nos. 2,312,104 and 2,367,224;however, it is deemed more effective for some production and repairoperations, to preset wrenches of both types so that the desired nut orother fastening load will be indicated and mechanically released duringuse to preclude or indicate ceasing any further tightening applicationof force with immediate automatic resetting for repeat operation onother fasteners.

The desirability of utilizing the degree of twist in the shank or shaftor the flex beam principle as the measuring expedient in nut turning andsimilar operations, has been resorted to with success from thestandpoint of measuring the applied turning load in relation to acalibrated meter that requires constant observations to reduce the humanerror factor to a minimum as illustrated in the above referred toletters patents; however, it is now known that predetermining tighteningloads imparted to fasteners by incorporating presetting controlinstrumentalities to preclude variations in fastener turning appliedloads without jarring the sensitive measuring elements thereof and,further, without relying upon the over-reaction or under-reaction of theuser whose responses are not always uniform nor the same over extendedtightening operations.

The importance of accuracy in torque wrenches cannot be over-emphasized,and the degree of accuracy depending largely upon the elimination of orsubstantial reduction in friction, lag and free-play between relativelymoving parts. This is also important in torque wrenches that embody theprinciple of flexing a torque resisting beam to provide the desiredreading; however, a mechanical release at the point of reaching theapplied preset load, lends itself to torque wrenches of the beam flexingtype with the teaching of the present invention.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the appliedpreset torque measuring principle has been embodied in the conventionaltype lever arm flex-beam wrench with minimum friction, lag, free play,and maximum translation of the relative twist of the load carryingmember. This has been accomplished in conjunction with presetting torqueload indicator instrumentalities which preclude errors and variations inreading and interpreting the usual indicators in or under all conditionsof use. Torque measurements are possible, therefore, with a negligibleerror factor and nut turning operations are accurately measured underall conditions and capacities irrespective of human error and theposition of applied force along the lever arm for effecting the turningoperation.

It has been found in actual use of the dial indicatinginstrumentalities, especially in repetitive production line operationsas well as in engine repair work, that the attendant may not be tooobservant of an indicator dial or he may be working under tiring ordifficult conditions to be sufficiently observant thereof or in such anobscure or inconvenient position for the purpose of nut turning withdifficulty in normally inaccessible places. Thus, there is littleopportunity to read the dial and, therefore, the user of a torque wrenchmay not be in the position to determine with any great measure ofaccuracy the torque load that is being applied. Furthermore, human errormay render otherwise accurate torque measuring instrumentalitiesineffectual so that the present invention contemplates the eliminationof human error and the other noted difficulties by providing simpleautomatic mechanical disconnect control features that will convey to theuser the knowledge that the applied torque has reached the predeterminedvalue at which the measuring instrumentalities have been preset prior tothe application of the device to a fastener for tightening purposes. Tothis end, it has been found desirable to provide simple disconnect andconnect instrumentalities that render it mechanically impossible for theuser to apply more torque load to a fastener than is initially intendedwithout any overt act.

The physical indicator preferably takes the form of a trigger releasemechanism operating responsive to a flex beam which will provide anautomatic disconnect at the preset load so that the handle 10 will bemomentarily ineffectual to apply more force for the further applicationthereof in nut turning operations. This construction provides partialreleasing and momentary disconnect between the primary and secondarybeams 20-21, since these bend together after initial fractional loadingof the primary beam 20 to share the torque load. Thus, the wrench handle10 travels a certain arc (degrees) to sustain the preset load when thesecondary beam 21 releases by reason of the trigger latch 22 beingdisplaced therewith to engage the obstruction which, in this instance,is the inner top wall of the elongated handle housing 10 that causes thedisconnect between the beams 20-21 upon being flexed to their presetload. Then the primary beam 20 must take over the full load and theseoccurrences cumulatively create a momentary interruption, a mildvibratory shock and some audible click due to the trigger disconnect andthe release of the secondary beam 211 to impart a signal to the userwho, thereupon, will stop any further turning to avoid an over-pull bycontinuing the application of force.

The effect of this is to cause a sudden relaxation of applied force tothe drive end 12 as the user receives the audible and physical signalthat the preset load has been reached. Normal relation of theinstrumentalities then takes place due to the straight natural at restattitude of the secondary beam 21 is resumed upon release of the traggerlatch 22 which is then spring-urged to return to its initial position ofengagement with the secondary beam 21. This is aided by the primary beam20 which also assumes a straight attitude upon release and userrelaxation to slightly displace the trigger latch 22 backwardly toassist in the re-latching of the trigger for again connecting theprimary and secondary beams 20-21 in readiness for the next turningoperation.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction andimprove the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is to provide simple and compact preset torque measuringdevices that are accurate, dependable in operation, and embodiesimproved presetting measuring means for accurately controlling thetightening load.

Still another object is to provide a torque turning tool having improvedpreset trigger control disconnect means with reacting wear compensatingfeatures to insure accuracy of measurements over an extended period ofuse.

A further object is to provide a self-contained torque measuring turningtool with simple and effective multiple scale calibratedinstrumentalities cooperating with self-restoring preset elements tofasten nuts and the like to any predetermined degree of tightness withinthe capacity range thereof.

A still further object is to provide a torque wrench with a turningshank having a trigger release and selfrestoring mechanical control forconnecting and disconnecting cooperating beams in conjunction withmultiple scale preset elements calibrated in the English and metricsystems of measurements.

Still a further object is to provide an improved presetting andreleasing torque wrench having a multiple scale ramp slide tomechanically interrupt the applied torque load at the preset valuewithout the users involvement therein.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following descriptionof an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of the device embodying features ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view in elevation of thedevice shown in FIG. 1 taken substantially along the longitudinal centerline of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side view in elevation of the slideretainer rod within the handle member, parts thereof being broken awayto clarify the illustration.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view in elevation ofthe adjustable multiple scale slide and ramp taken substantially alongline IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged bottom view of the slide, ramp andretainer therefor taken substantially along line VV of FIG. 3, the rampbeing shown in section to clarify the illustration.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view in elevation of the rod retainercam taken substantially along line VI-VI of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the trigger release andconnect mechanism mounted between the primary and secondary beams foroperative connection with the preset instrumentalities.

FIG. 8 is a perspective development view of the associated partsconstituting a sub-assembly of the multiple scale calibrated slide andramp involving the preset elements, the ramp and slide being shown inmodified form.

The structure selected for illustration is not intended to serve as alimitation upon the scope or teachings of the invention, but is merelyan illustrative embodiment thereof. There may be considerable variationsand adaptations of all or part of the teachings depending upon thedictates of commercial practice. The present embodiment comprises anelongated tubular handle member 10, in this instance of rectangularcross-section, to also serve as a housing for instrumentalities to behereinafter described. The forward end 11 has a projecting work engagingmember 12 complementarily sized for closing the handle end 11 withminimum looseness to preclude interaction therebetween.

The housing projecting work engaging member 12 has a square bore 13extending therethrough in a vertical direction to slidably receive acorrespondingly shaped wrench socket engaging shank 14. The shank 14 ispreferably though not essentially fitted with properly spaced standardspring impelled ball detents 15-16 provided on the socket receivingshank 14 as clearly illustrated in the above identified copending patentapplication of which this is a continuatinuation-in-part. The bore 13which slidably receives the shank 14, has a minute recess 17 therein tocooperate with the ball detents 15-16 on the shank 14 to retain thelatter in one of two extreme positions depending upon the direction ofturning the socket (not shown) that may be required for tightening orloosening fasteners because the applied turning force is unidirectionalwith the flex beams involved in the structure to be hereinafterdescribed. It should be noted that with the use of two ball detents15-16 on the shank 14, one detent 15 serves as an position indexingexpedient therefor while the exposed ball detent 15 serves to retain thewrench socket thereon or vice versa depending upon the positioningthereof as more fully set forth in the above referred to copendingpatent application.

The work engaging head 12 is retained in the elongated housing-handle 10by means of a pivot pin 18 which also permits slight pivotal movementthereof responsive to applying turning force thereto by means of thehandle end application of manually applied turning force thereto, in theregion of the reduced end region 19 thereof. As shown, the work engaginghead member 12, has in this instance, a flex beam 20 extendingintegrally therefrom and inwardly of the elongated handle member 10 forsubstantially the entire length thereof. This beam 20 serves as theprimary bending or flexing beam which resists the turning movementapplied to the handle 10-19 when the work engaging head has a standardwrench socket (not shown) on its shank 14, in registry with a nut orother standard fastener.

A secondary and shorter bending beam 21 is fitted and attached bythreaded studs 21 in this instance two, proximate to the work engaginghead 12 so that both beams 20-21 ultimately resist the turning movementapplied through the handle member 10 as the preset load is approachedand both beams 20-21 flex as will appear more fully hereinafter. Thesecondary beam 21 is approximately one-half the length of the primarybeam 20, in this instance, and their characteristics are such that theprimary beam 20 flexes first to carry a trigger release mechanism suchas a latch 22 (FIG. 7) in connecting operative relation to the secondarybeam 21. The trigger latch 22 involves a substantially U- shapedinverted bifurcated member having vertical confronting lever arms 23that terminate in horizontal arms 24 that pivotally connect with theprimary beam disposed therein proximate to its midpoint through a leverarm bridging pin 25 serving as a mount therefor. The arms 23 of of theupstanding trigger latch 22 have elongated slots 26 therein-to receive abridging stop pin 27 to limit the pivotal movement of the trigger arms23-24.

The upstanding trigger vertical arms 23-24 comprise an integral part ofthe bracket plate 28 to present a horizontally and forwardly projectingcurved nib 29 thereon. The nib 29 is positioned in the path of andengageable with a steppedshoulder 30 provided on the end of thesecondary beam 21 for tiltable connection and release relative theretoas will appear more fully hereinafter. A curved flat spring 31 is, inthis instance, riveted at one end as at 32, to the trigger bracket plate28 opposite to the nib 29 thereon. The curved flat spring 31 engages theupper edge of the primary beam 20 to normally tilt the trigger latch 22in a counterclockwise direction (viewed from FIG. 7) to normally engageand provide for connection with the secondary beam 21 through thetrigger latch nib 29 and the stepped secondary beam confronting end 30.This occurs by reason of the urge exerted by the curved flat spring 31that positions the trigger latch 22 to provide for connectiontherebetween when the secondary beam extremity 30 is in the path thereofas the primary beam 20 is flexed to bring the trigger latch 22 inengagement therewith as an initial turning load is applied by manuallytuming the handle end region 19 in tightening a fastener such as a nut.

The trigger latching bracket 28 has an upstanding pin 33 extendingupwardly therefrom to terminate in an angulated extremity formed byangular faces disposed substantially at 45 angles to define an edgedirected toward the upper inside surface 35 of the tubularhandle-housing 10 serving as a stop for further beam flexing and tomomentarily release the secondary beam 21 from connection with theprimary beam 20 by causing the trigger latch 22 to pivot in a clockwisedirection (viewed from FIG. 7) against the urge of the curved flatspring 31 as will appear more fully hereinafter. By the same action whenthe latch pin 33 is out of contact with the interior housing wall 35 andthe secondary beam 21 is free to assume its straight unflexed attitude,the spring 31 tends to latch the trigger nib 29 into engagement with thestepped shoulder end 30 of the secondary beam 21 whenever the lattersextremity 30 is proximate thereto. This occurs during the initialflexing of the primary beam 20 to more than one-half of thepredetermined and preset load, and coincident thereto the secondary beam21 will present its stepped end 30 for registry with the trigger'scomplemental nib 29 to establish their connection responsive to the urgeof the spring 31.

Therefore, further increasing of the turning load from thereon willcause bending or flexing of both beams 20-21 and elevate the triggerlatch 22 with its pin 33 until the latter is obstructed by the interiorhousing wall 35. When this occurs, the latched connection 29-30 becomesdisconnected because the trigger latch 22 is pivoted in acounterclockwise direction, and a partial interruption to furtherturning the fastener takes place as the user thereupon receives anaudible click of impingement and a momentary disconnect coincidenttherewith. The user immediately is alerted by both of these occurrenceswhich evidences that the preset turning load has been reached andfurther turning is ceased. This momentary relaxation upon the part ofthe user, enables the secondary beam 21 to assume a straight attitudeand the trigger latch 22 through the urge of its spring 31 will causethe beams 20-21 to again connect to enable the wrench to be againapplied to another fastener to repeat the operation.

The primary beam 20 tends to return to its straight attitude and assistsin the reconnection with the secondary beam 21 through the trigger latch22, by providing the rearward extremity 36 thereof with a suitablycurved elongated flat spring 37 which is riveted or otherwise attachedthereto as at 38 by suitable fasteners 39 to constantly urge the primarybeam 20 in a counterclockwise direction (viewed from FIG. 2) to normallyretain the trigger latch nib 29 in engagement with the stepped end 30 ofthe secondary beam 21. Thus, the beams 20-21 are normally retained inconnected engagement when they are both permitted to assume theirstraight initial attitudes to function as a single beam until the presetturning load has been attained.

To the end of providing a trigger latch release control, however, theend region 36 of the primary beam 20 has a shoe adjusting screw 40fitted into a threaded aperture 41 so that its enlarged head 42 mayloosely fit into a recess 43 provided in a trough-shaped shoe plate 44for swaged connection. The shoe plate 44 complements the edge 45 of anadjustable ramp bar 46 that has a pivotal pin receiving hole 47 thereinnear one end thereof to receive a pin 48. The pin 48 has projecting endsbeyond the solid ramp bar 46 for pivotally mounting the latter inaligned holes 49 provided in the sides of an open bottomed invertedsubstantially U-shaped channel slide 50. The channel slide 50 looselyreceives the ramp bar 45 therein for pivotal mounting relative theretoon its pin 48. An elongated threaded set screw 51 is threadedlyconnected to an aperture proximate to the other end of the ramp bar 46to enable angular positioning of the latter relative to the channeledslide 50 which are slidable as a unit within the handle housing lnitialsetting and calibration is effected by positioning the ramp 46 pivotallyrelative to the primary beam 20 by means of the swivelly connectedscrew-shoe 40-42 which permits linear displacement of the slide 50within the handle housing 10 as well as angular adjustment by turningthe set screw 51. To this end, the bottom wall 52 of the elongatedhandle housing 10 is provided with two screw driver inserting holes53-54 spaced to correspond with the spacing of the ramp adjusting setscrew 40-51 so that access thereto may be had in effecting theadjustment thereof and the final inspection for accuracy of the presetcalibrated instrumentalities as will presently appear. It should benoted that the ramp 46 has an open bottom cross-slot 55 therein toaccommodate a threaded screw 56 that extends through aligned apertures57 in the calibrated inverted U-shaped slide 50. An enlarged thumb nut58" engages the threaded screw 56 to provide for the finger displacementthereof within the handle housing 10 for presetting the value at whichthe turning load will disconnect the secondary flex beam 21 from theprimary flex beam 20.

The slide 50 has two opposed enlarged side walls defining. the invertedU-shaped configuration, and these two opposed parallel walls affordmultiple scale calibrations, in this instance four separate scales withthe English system of calibrations in inch and foot pounds 58-59 on onesurface (FIG. 8) separated by the slide displacing finger engagingbutton 57. The opposite and similar parallel outside surface of theinverted U- shaped channelled slide 50 (not visible in FIG. 8), isprovided with dual metric calibrations such as newtons (opposite to theinch-pound scale) and kilograms (opposite to the foot-pound scale),thereby affording the use of the wrenching device to preset values indual capacity ranges for both the English and metric systems ofmeasurements or possibly other special systems depending upon thedictates of commercial practice. To this end, the tubular handle housingis provided with elongated rectangular openings 60-61 in the oppositeside walls thereof in confronting relation to the calibrated oppositesurfaces 58'-59' and their opposite counterparts on the slide 50 toenable viewing therethrough in presetting the desired turning load withreference to suitable indexing lines such as the arrows 62-63 etched orotherwise inscribed on the lower edges of the viewing openings 60-61.

In order to lock the selected position of the calibrated slide 50 toavoid accidental or other unauthorized resetting thereof, the slide 50is in this instance provided with an inwardly offset wall terminus 64 towhich a wire flexible rod 65 is suitably anchored to extend rearwardlythrough an aperture through an aperture in a bearing 66 fixed by setscrews 67 in the reduced handle end region 19 of the tubular handlehousing 10. The bearing 66 receives a stub shaft 69 journalled therein,and the latter in turn carries a circumferential cam 70 (FIG. 6) whichhas an arcuate notch 71 in the high region thereof to lock the extremityof the rod 65 and thus preclude any possible accidental displacement ofthe slide 50. The locking occurs as the rod 65 rides over thecircumference of the cam 70 and is sprung into locked position as theshaft 69 is rotated by a knurled knob 72 serving as an end handle memberenclosure for the reduced handle end region 19 in which it is journalledfor attachment to the end of the stub shaft 69. In order to provide forthe free sliding movement and displacement of the slide 50 inside of thehandle housing 10 in the region of the rectangular viewing openings60-61 by finger engagement with the slide buttons 57, the internal upperwall 35 of the housing 10 is indented as at 73-74 with slide spacingnibs in the confronting end wall thereof to avoid the accumulation offoreign substances and minimize friction to insure ready relativemovement therebetween for changing the presetting responses of theinstrumentalities.

It should be noted that the slide can be positively locked againstdisplacement by the set screw 67 which extends through the wall of thereduced handle region 19 and also the radius of the bearing 66 toimpinge against the flexible wire rod 65 so that positive lockingoccurs. There will be some wear between the relatively moving parts29-30 of the trigger latch 22 as well as on the extremity of theupstanding pin 33-34 thereof, but these wearing regions are compensatoryand commensurate so that the wear on elements 29-30, on one hand, andelements 33-34, on the other hand, are commensurate by design to insureaccuracy in the precision measuring elements over an extended period oftime.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the primary beam issupported between the pin 18 at the forward end thereof and theadjusting screw and shoe 40-44 through the intermediaryinstrumentalities such as the ramp 46, the channelled slide 50, and theadjusting screw 51. This support is assisted by the beam spring 37 thaturges all of these instrumentalities toward the upper interior wall 35of the handle housing 10. When the work engaging member 12 with itssocket receiving shank 14, engages a fastener and turning force isapplied in a clockwise direction viewed from FIG. 3, the primary beam 20bends to carry the trigger latch 22 in the path of the secondary beam 21so that engagement is effected between the latch nib 29 and the steppedsecondary beam extremity 30-31 to cause beams 20-21 to flex as a unituntil the trigger latch pin 33-34 which is moving closer to the interiorend wall 35 of the handle housing 10 until the latter makes contacttherewith and the latch trigger 22 disengages the secondary beamextremity 30-31 and with the disengagement of the beam 21 and therelease thereof from the primary beam 20, the secondary beam 21 tends toassume its straight attitude and hits against the interior housing wall35 to produce an audible click and a momentary vibratory mildinterruption that is transmitted to the users hand to signal that thepreset torque load has been reached. The user immeidately relaxes hisapplied tuming force and this permits the trigger latch 22 to againconnect the primary and secondary beams 20-21 as both assume theirstraight attitudes. This insures that the parts have been restored totheir initial position and the turning application of a preset torqueload may be applied to another fastener.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention hereinspecifically described without departing from or sacrificing any of theadvantages of the invention or any features thereof, and nothing hereinshall be construed as limitations upon the invention, its concept orstructural embodiment as to the whole or any part thereof except asdefined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A preset torque wrench or the like comprising a rigid tubular handlemember, a pair of superposed flex beams disposed along and within saidelongated tubular handle member, a work engaging head member anchored toboth of said flex beams and projecting within said tubular handlemember, means for detachably connecting said flex beams together toshare the torque load and to displace said first named meanscommensurate with the flex of said beams, said detachable means beingdisplaced a fixed distance with said beams until actuated by engagementwith a confronting wall of said tubular handle member to limit anyfurther displacement thereof to effect the release of said beams fromeach other, and calibrated scale means adjustably associated with saidhandle member and operatively connected to one of said beams to controlthe flexing moment arm thereof, thereby presetting the load at whichsaid detachable beam connecting means is actuated to release said beamsfrom connected engagement to signal and momentarily arrest any furthertorque load turning of said work engaging member.

2. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 1 wherein saidcalibrated scale means includes slidably and pivotally adjustable rampmeans connected thereto for adjustable positioning relative to said beamto adjust the preset load limit at which said detachable connectingmeans is released.

3. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 2 wherein saidcalibrated scale means is slidable relative to an opening in said handlemember to preset the load limit of release for said detachableconnecting means.

4. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 3 wherein saidcalibrated scale means has spaced surfaces to receive multi-scalecalibrations for viewing relative to an indexing point on said viewingopening to preset said detachable connecting means in a multiple ofmeasuring systems.

5. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 4 wherein meansincluding an external control on said handle means operatively connectwith said slidable calibrated means to selectively lock said lattermeans in any adjusted position.

6. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 5 wherein said handlemember has oppositely aligned multiple scale viewing openings therein,and said slide member has parallel surfaces for receiving calibrationsin different measuring systems on each surface for viewing through saidhandle openings.

7. A preset torque wrench or the like defined in claim 2 wherein thesuperposed flex beams consist of s substantially longer primary flexbeam and a shorter flex beam above the primary beam, and saidindependently operable detachable connecting means and ramp means aremounted on said primary flex beam to control the release of said shorterflex beam at a preset load.

8. A preset torque wrench or the like defined in claim 7 wherein saidramp means are pivotally mounted to a multi-scale slide mounted in saidhandle member.

9. A preset torque wrench or the like defined in claim 8 whereinadjustable screw means are mounted on said primary flex beam to controlthe pivotal position of said ramp means relative to said multi-scaleslide displaceably mounted in said handle member.

10. A preset torque wrench or the like defined in claim 9 wherein meansare provided on said handle member to lock said multi-scale slide in anypreset position within the limits of its displacement.

1. A preset torque wrench or the like comprising a rigid tubular handlemember, a pair of superposed flex beams disposed along and within saidelongated tubular handle member, a work engaging head member anchored toboth of said flex beams and projecting within said tubular handlemember, means for detachably connecting said flex beams together toshare the torque load and to displace said first named meanscommensurate with the flex of said beams, said detachable means beingdisplaced a fixed distance with said beams until actuated by engagementwith a confronting wall of said tubular handle member to limit anyfurther displacement thereof to effect the release of said beams fromeach other, and calibrated scale means adjustably associated with saidhandle member and operatively connected to one of said beams to controlthe flexing moment arm thereof, thereby presetting the load at whichsaid detachable beam connecting means is actuated to release said beamsfrom connected engagement to signal and momentarily arrest any furthertorque load turning of said work engaging member.
 2. A preset torqueload wrench defined in claim 1 wherein said calibrated scale meansincludes slidably and pivotally adjustable ramp means connected theretofor adjustable positioning relative to said beam to adjust the presetload limit at which said detachable connecting means is released.
 3. Apreset torque load wrench defined in claim 2 wherein said calibratedscale means is slidable relative to an opening in said handle member topreset the load limit of release for said detachable connecting means.4. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 3 wherein saidcalibrated scale means has spaced surfaces to receive multi-scalecalibrations for viewing relative to an indexing point on said viewingopening to preset said detachable connecting means in a multiple ofmeasuring systems.
 5. A preset torque load wrench defined in claim 4wherein means including an external control on said handle meansoperatively connect with said slidable calibrated means to selectivelylock said latter means in any adjusted position.
 6. A preset torque loadwrench defined in claim 5 wherein said handle member has oppositelyaligned multiple scale viewing openings therein, and said slide memberhas parallel surfaces for receiving calibrations in different measuringsystems on each surface for viewing through said handle openings.
 7. Apreset torque wrench or the like defined in claim 2 wherein thesuperposed flex beams consist of s substantially longer primary flexbeam and a shorter flex beam above the primary beam, and saidindependently operable detachable connecting means and ramp means aremounted on said primary flex beam to control the release of said shorterflex beam at a preset load.
 8. A preset torque wrench or the likedefined in claim 7 wherein said ramp means are pivotally mounted to amulti-scale slide mounted in said handle member.
 9. A preset torquewrench or the like defined in claim 8 wherein adjustable screw means aremounted on said primary flex beam to control the pivotal position ofsaid ramp means relative to said multi-sCale slide displaceably mountedin said handle member.
 10. A preset torque wrench or the like defined inclaim 9 wherein means are provided on said handle member to lock saidmulti-scale slide in any preset position within the limits of itsdisplacement.